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Robbie Stockdale to take charge of Sunderland first-team affairs while takeover is ratified

Sunderland assistant manager Robbie Stockdale
Image: Robbie Stockdale remains at Sunderland and will take charge of first-team affairs

Robbie Stockdale has been placed in temporary charge of first-team affairs at Sunderland.

Stockdale remains at the Sky Bet Championship club in the wake of Sunday's departure of manager Chris Coleman and his assistant Kit Symons.

The 38-year-old had a previous spell in caretaker charge in 2015 and will stay on while the club's takeover is being ratified by the EFL.

"Sunderland AFC can confirm Robbie Stockdale will take charge of the club's final Sky Bet Championship game of the season," a club statement read.

"The coach will also oversee the first team's preparations ahead of the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers following Chris Coleman's departure."

Sky Sports News understands the overseas consortium - led by Eastleigh chairman Stewart Donald - forced Ellis Short to pay off Coleman before they were handed the keys to the club.

Chris Coleman during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Burton Albion at Stadium of Light on April 21, 2018
Image: Chris Coleman was sacked by Sunderland on Sunday

The consortium is keen to bring in their own manager, Sky Sports News has been told, and the new owners hope to have EFL ratification within the week.

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Sunderland's players have a day off on Monday and will return to work with Stockdale at the helm on Tuesday - Coleman is still in the North East, but Symons has already returned to London.

Coleman was appointed in November to try and turn things around at the Stadium of Light, but he was unable to stop Sunderland's relegation to League One, which was confirmed earlier this month with two games remaining.

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